Implant Supported Denture
Dentures that are supported by an implant can provide significant improvements in chewing and smiling. In contrast to regular complete dentures, these dentures are horseshoe-shaped reducing bulkiness and creating more space on the palate for better tasting ability. A person with implant-supported dentures can enjoy fruits, vegetables, steaks, corn on the cob, and other foods compared to a person wearing traditional dentures. In addition, implant-support dentures significantly boost patients’ confidence to smile and speak.
Implant supported dentures can be fixed or semi-fixed. Fixed dentures are not removable and will be removed only by a dentist during regular dental check-ups. The semi-fixed dentures are removable and can be cleaned, maintained the same way as regular dentures.
PROCEDURE
After placing dental implants, your dentist will fabricate dentures in the following steps:
- Impressions: After your gums are substantially healed and healthy, your dental assistant or dentist will make an impression of jaws.
- Modeling prosthesis: Your dentist will make a wax model of the dentures before fabricating the final product to check for fit and appearance. Modifications will be done at this stage to match the patient’s expectations regarding teeth size, shape, and color.
- Fabrication of final denture: Once you and your dentist have decided on a final fit and appearance, a dental technician or prosthodontist will construct a final prosthesis that is durable and natural-looking.
- Insertion: Once your final dentures are made, they are fixed to dental implants in the jaw bone.
BENEFITS OF IMPLANT-SUPPORTED DENTURE
In the absence of tooth roots, the jawbone will shrink unless it is stimulated in another way. A dental implant prevents residual bone loss maintaining the jaw dimensions thus increasing its durability.
- They function like normal teeth
- Few dentures can be removable hence making it easier to clean
- Preserves gum tissues and bone
- These dentures are sturdy and do not need any adhesive
- Significantly improves chewing efficiency resulting in overall well-being.